Christian Dior

The Creator of the New Look

creative business
Christian Dior

Net Worth

$100M

Born

January 21, 1905 (died age 52)

Country

France

Occupation

Fashion Designer, Creative Director

Gender

male

Generation

Greatest Generation

Marital Status

single

Children

0

Single Parent Household

No

Education

Self-Taught

Industries

creative, business

Wealth Category

multi-millionaire

Wealth Origin

self-made

First-Gen Wealth

Yes

Overcame

  • Family lost fortune in 1931 financial crisis
  • Survived tuberculosis in his 20s
  • Started fashion career late at age 41 after years of struggle
  • Lived through both World Wars in France

Christian Dior was a French fashion designer who founded one of the world's most prestigious fashion houses. His 1947 'New Look' collection revolutionized post-war fashion with its feminine, luxurious silhouettes. Despite starting his fashion career late at age 41, he built an empire that continues to influence fashion today. He died suddenly at 52, just ten years after launching his brand.

Career Timeline

1905

Born in Granville, Normandy, France

1928 Age 23
Turning Point

Opened art gallery in Paris with family money

1931 Age 26
Setback

Gallery closed; family lost fortune in financial crisis

1935 Age 30
Turning Point

Began selling fashion sketches to make a living

1938 Age 33
Milestone

Hired by designer Robert Piguet to create collections

1941 Age 36
Turning Point

Worked for Lucien Lelong during German occupation of Paris

1946 Age 41
Milestone

Founded House of Dior with backing from Marcel Boussac

1947 Age 42
Milestone

Launched 'New Look' collection that revolutionized fashion

1947 Age 42
Achievement

Launched Miss Dior perfume

1950 Age 45
Milestone

Expanded Dior into international licensing empire

1955 Age 50
Milestone

Hired young Yves Saint Laurent as assistant and protege

1957 Age 52

Died of heart attack in Montecatini Terme, Italy

Notable Quotes

"In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different."

"After women, flowers are the most lovely thing God has given the world."

— Interview, 1950

"Elegance must be the right combination of distinction, naturalness, care and simplicity."

"Deep in every woman slumbers the wish to look young as long as she lives."